2.2 Electrical waveform disturbances

An electrical disturbance is characterized by the deviations that it produces to the nominal voltage, current, or frequency conditions. These fluctuations can result in failure or abnormal operation on the system. These perturbations can be noticed as wave deformations affecting magnitude or frequency mainly. This effect is of uttermost importance in electrical utilities since they face the task to provide highquality energy by regulation, in addition to balance generation and demand with adequate levels of electromagnetic compatibility that allows proper operation of electrical equipment.

Some equipment with nonlinear components, such as power electronic converters, electric arc devices, and others, cause problems usually related to electromagnetic interference (EMI). These disturbances cause a loss of performance in most conventional loads and unnecessarily overload in transmission or distribution lines. However, one of the most significant problems in addition to the performance degradation is the deterioration on the quality of the voltage sine wave, superimposing periodic or transient disturbances. This phenomenon jeopardizes the appropriate operation of electronic, computer, and communication systems.

Given the aforementioned problems, there is a need to formulate a model that could handle analysis and simulation. Table 2 shows the mathematical model and representation of the electrical disturbances analyzed in this chapter.


Table 2. Electrical waveform disturbance mathematical model.
